How can I firm up my skin naturally?

Sagging skin is a totally natural phenomenon which is bound to happen. It affects us all. It can affect the face and neck, but also any part of the body. The stomach, thighs and arms are often the most affected by this loss of firmness. This loss of firmness can be caused or increased by a particular phenomenon, such as pregnancy, water retention or weight gain. But more often than not, it is one of the signs of skin ageing.

As we age, our muscles become slack. In our bodies, the quantity of collagen (which keeps the skin firm) and elastin (which maintains the elasticity of the dermis) decreases. The skin therefore gradually loses its support fibres, those that give it its firm, plump appearance. It becomes thinner, drier and more relaxed as these fibrous proteins become scarcer. This is why firming the skin after the age of 50 can be difficult… but not impossible! In the same way, when you lose weight, the skin has to produce more collagen to firm up the tissues. So it's essential to give it the best possible support during this delicate phase. Of course, the ideal solution is to take preventive action throughout your life to maintain a shapely body.

To help firm skin naturally, there are simple and effective traditional remedies as well as daily exercises and movements you can do at home.

Expert advice. While a balanced diet helps to eliminate toxins, it's essential to combine a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise to tone the body. Dance, gymnastics and swimming are all good ways to tone your thighs. Running, the elliptical machine or a few crunches can help to tone your buttocks and tighten the skin around your stomach. Staying active throughout the day is also a good way to tone up. Walking for 30 minutes a day, taking the stairs rather than the lift, walking from one office to another rather than making a call, and so forth, are just some of the many exercises that can easily be applied on a daily basis.

To combat flabby skin, also consider using targeted cosmetic treatments. Choose formulas or ingredients with draining, detoxifying and firming properties, such as vitamin C (we'll give you our top picks below!)

Don't forget that toning the body requires a very specific way of applying your products. We recommend daily self-massage of stretched areas to stimulate fibroblasts. You can never overdo toning exercises such as palpating-rolling, smoothing and kneading. These slimming massages, applied to areas where fat is stored, will help to reduce the appearance of dimpled skin and make it more supple. The logic is much the same as for sport: doing it on a regular basis is usually the key.

Nature also has a few tricks we can use to help firm the skin naturally. Simple and effective, you can follow these homemade recipes that have been passed down for generations.

Kobido. This is a Japanese massage technique known for its smoothing, draining and firming benefits. It is available in 48 processes that target sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles. It generally uses compression, smoothing and tapping movements on the areas of the face and neck you want to address.

Aculifting. This variation of acupuncture is designed to provoke muscle contractions and, in so doing, give the skin a firmer appearance. This has to be done by professionals, using appropriate needles placed on strategic points on the face. We recommend several sessions for optimum results.

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Traditional recipes are provided for information only and Aroma-Zone cannot be held responsible for them. They must be followed in compliance with basic hygiene standards and may be adapted to known allergies. Always carry out a sensitivity test in the crease of the elbow before use. These mixtures cannot be stored and must be used immediately after manufacture.

Essential oils are powerful active ingredients. They should be used with caution and may not be suitable for certain people or situations. Consult our technical instructions before use and ask a healthcare professional for advice.